Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Baking Soda (16-oz box or larger)
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
White Vinegar
Ammonia (Optional)
Cleaning Cloths

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

The Importance of Cleaning a Mattress

Cleaning your bedding regularly is necessary but it doesn’t address everything that’s trapped below the sheets. Sweat and dead skin cells create the perfect environment for mold, dust mites and bacteria. Trapped particles can also cause respiratory problems and allergies as well as contribute to the overall poor air quality in your home. One of the ways to combat this is to learn how to clean a dirty mattress. Learning how to deep clean a mattress helps eliminate odors, increase air quality and control allergens.

Tip

Looking for the perfect mattress? Read our Mattress and Bedding Buying Guide for help.

Tip

Many mattress manufacturers include general cleaning and stain removal directions. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to clean and care for your mattress.

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How Long Should a Mattress Last?

Different mattresses have different lifespans, but the average mattress lasts an average of seven to 10 years. While even high-quality mattresses will eventually need to be replaced, you can extend the lifespan of your mattress by making sure you know how to deep clean a mattress.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

The frequency of your mattress cleaner routine depends on several factors, such as the number of people who use the bed and how much wear and tear the mattress faces on a regular basis. However, on average, most agree that a mattress should be deep cleaned at least twice a year and vacuumed approximately once a month.

DIY Mattress Cleaners Versus Enzymatic Cleaners

DIY cleaners can be made with items you may already have in your pantry, such as baking soda, white vinegar or laundry detergent.

Some stains prove to be tough enough to withstand the cleaning power of DIY solutions. When they fail, it may be time to turn to a tougher option. Look for commercial enzymatic cleaners that can tackle stains such as vomit, blood and sweat.

Caution

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and check the labels on both the cleaner and mattress to ensure it’s safe to use on the mattress. Never apply the cleaner directly to the mattress. Always apply it to a cloth first and then dab it on the stain.

How to Clean a Mattress

A person using a spray bottle to treat a stain.

Below are some general tips to clean your mattress and treat some common stains.

If you don’t have to spot-clean, you can skip straight to the next step of deodorizing the mattress.

Blood Stains
Blood stains are notoriously difficult to remove, but like other stains, they’re easier to combat if you address them quickly. If the stain hasn’t set yet, blot it — don’t rub it — with a clean cloth to soak up excess moisture. Next, mist the area with cold hydrogen peroxide and blot the stain with a clean rag. Continue to spray and blot until the stain is gone. Allow the area to air-dry completely before putting the bedding on. Or, use a small amount of laundry stain remover. Let it soak a while, then blot off the stain with a wet cleaning cloth.

Vomit Stains
Mix one part water with one part white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake it well. Mist until the stain is just damp; don’t oversaturate. Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone. Allow the spot to dry.

Urine Stains
Method 1: For fresh urine, blot away excess, mist white vinegar lightly on the spot and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then blot it away.

Method 2: For set-in stains, mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of clear dish soap or laundry detergent in a spray bottle. Mix well, then mist the stain and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Blot up any excess liquid with a clean cloth.

Method 3: For pet urine, use a pet stain remover. Be sure to clean thoroughly — some pets will continue to urinate in the same area if they can smell urine there.

Sweat Stains
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide, water and liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Or, use a laundry stain remover. Mist the stain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Blot the excess liquid with a dry cloth.

Lotion or Oil Stains
Add a few squirts of dish soap in warm water and dab it onto the stain. Blot with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.

Caution

Hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored fabrics. Perform a spot test on an inconspicuous spot of the mattress to make sure it doesn’t discolor the fabric.

Baking soda does double duty by removing stains and deodorizing. Once you’ve finished spot-cleaning, generously sprinkle baking soda in an even layer over the entire mattress. A kitchen sifter is perfect for this. Lightly rub the baking soda into the mattress with a soft bristle brush. Feel free to focus a little more baking soda on any stains that weren’t fully lifted from the previous steps. Allow the mattress to fully dry anywhere from a few hours to overnight.

If you didn’t spot-clean, you can still deodorize the mattress and draw out dirt and moisture with baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda on the mattress as noted above. For best results, leave it on for 24 hours.

Tip

Essential oils, such as lavender, valerian or chamomile, are soothing and help freshen the mattress. Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oils to a 16-ounce box of baking soda, close the lid and shake to distribute the oils.

Mattress Care Tips

To keep your mattress in good shape and extend its life, below are a few tips to consider:

Wash your linens and bedding on a regular basis.
Regularly clean the mattress by vacuuming and using baking soda to deodorize every three to six months. Spot-treat stains as necessary.
When cleaning your mattress, never saturate it with liquid.
Make sure you have good ventilation when cleaning a mattress. Keep doors and windows open to allow the mattress to completely dry. You can also use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
To help keep your mattress clean and dry, invest in a mattress cover or mattress encasement.
Rotate the mattress end-to-end on a regular basis to avoid lumps and bulges settling in one spot.
Make sure your mattress is properly supported with a good foundation or box spring.
A foul-smelling mattress can make a room smell musky. Open the windows often to allow fresh air in and to air out the room naturally.

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